Arrests made in Kootenai County burglary ring

Idaho law enforcement officials say they have made arrests connected to a daytime burglary ring that was funding a group’s drug addiction. More than 80 residential burglaries have been documented in Kootenai County since August. Some cases involved suspects kicking down doors and even fitting through the confines of dog doors to get into homes. Coeur d’Alene Police started cracking down on the ring Tuesday with the arrest of 20-year old Brad W. Whisner on suspicion of burglary. He’s considered an accomplice of William E. Fesmire, 21, who is suspected of burglarizing homes in the Echo Glenn Lane area of Coeur d’Alene. Sgt. Brandon McCormick said Fesmire lived in the Echo Glenn neighborhood and would watch nearby homes for opportunities to burglarize them. Detectives found him by reviewing grocery store surveillance video. Police suspect him of stealing more than $14,000 in cash and there’s a felony warrant for his arrest. On Wednesday, police also arrested Steven R. Keniston, 22, for burglary, James E. Porter, 23, for burglary and grand theft, and Melissa A. Roos, 20, for burglary and criminal conspiracy. A warrant has been issued for Porter’s accomplice, Samuel Z. Fetterhoff, 22. Another member of the burglary ring, William M. Schwald, 22, was arrested Thursday at Spokane International Airport where he was trying to get on a flight to Boise. He’s accused of burglarizing a home with Porter on 7th Street in Coeur d’Alene. Coeur d’Alene Police identified the group as users of meth, heroin and Oxycontin. Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls Police and the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office all took part in the investigation. Officials are still locating stolen property and hope to return items to victims.